Self may leave on top
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SAN ANTONIO – Bill Self's best game at Kansas also may have been his last.
An hour after Kansas' 75-68 overtime victory against Memphis in Monday's national title game, Self was again asked about his interest in the coaching vacancy in Stillwater, Okla.
An Oklahoma State alumnus, Self is believed to be the leading candidate to replace Sean Sutton, who resigned under pressure nearly two weeks ago.
"If someone from OSU calls me, it's not like I'm going to not take the call," Self said before leaving the Alamodome. "That's my alma mater. I know people down there.
"I said last week that I'd recommend that they go in a different direction. I still feel that way. I'm not going to say that (a phone call) couldn't potentially happen. I guess it potentially can."
Speculation in Stillwater is that Oklahoma State is prepared to offer Self a contract that could pay as much as $4 million per season. His current deal at Kansas pays him $1.375 million plus incentives.
Kansas won't be able to win a bidding war for Self's services, but athletic director Lew Perkins and chancellor Robert Hemenway have indicated that they plan to enhance Self's contract.
"We'll do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen," Hemenway said when asked about the possibility of Self's departure.
Self certainly didn't seem eager to leave after leading Kansas to its first national title since 1988.
"To be real honest with you, I love Kansas," Self said. "I love my job here, and hopefully it can be a situation where I can spend a long time here. I'm certainly not looking to leave. Lew (Perkins) and I have to visit. I'm sure that will happen in the next few days."
